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Three common misconceptions about implementing robotics in manufacturing – a roundtable recap

Sikich

Mar 8 2022

2 min read

Talent shortages aren’t going away anytime soon. To fill in the gap, it’s important to consider alternative options, such as investing in robotics. According to our recent Industry Pulse survey, one in three manufacturers are likely to invest in automation to replace a portion of their workforce in the next 12 months.

Our friends at Acieta, a leader in automation technology integration, joined us at our latest executive roundtable to provide insight into evaluating automation and understanding the hidden factors in calculating a robot’s ROI. Below, we highlight three common misconceptions executives in the roundtable had about implementing robotics.

Myth 1: Robots are faster than a human operator

Efficiencies are gained over time with a robot. While a human operator may be able to perform a single task faster than a robot, looking at total throughput for a shift, a week, or a year, the robot will prove to drastically increase output over that of a human counterpart. Acieta even remarked that it sees about a 36% productivity increase per week for a robotic operator.

Myth 2: Robots require a huge initial investment

Acieta leaders recommend businesses start small and look at a part of a process to automate first. Cost-wise, this is much more manageable, but it is also a great way to introduce your workforce to automation so they can be excited about it instead of overwhelmed. Plus, it allows employers to demonstrate to employees that automation is not intended to replace them but to make room for them to have more elevated responsibilities.

Myth 3: Robots have short lives or costly repairs

Like your car, a robot should routinely get maintenance to prolong its useful life. Acieta experts say some robots can produce for 20 to 30 years if properly maintained and that you’ll see a return on your investment within the first one to three years of a robot’s life.

While robotic automation is not the only way to combat labor shortages, it’s worth considering. Watch Acieta’s full presentation here, and join us for our next roundtable in June!

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About the Author

Sikich

Sikich is a global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With more than 1,900 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies and is comprised of one of the largest CPA firms in the United States. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services* and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals. *Securities offered through Sikich Corporate Finance LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sikich Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 